|
Copyright: European Union |
EU gains tax powers under deal that builds on BEPS
June 21 – EU member states will have the power to tax profits moved to low-tax countries where there is no genuine economic activity under far-reaching rules to
"Today's agreement strikes a serious blow against those engaged in corporate tax avoidance. For too long, some companies have been able to take advantage of the mismatches between different member states' tax systems to avoid billions of euros in tax,” said Pierre Moscovici, Commissioner for economic and financial affairs, taxation and customs.
The measures, under discussion since January 2016, build on the OECD BEPS project and come under the EU's action plan for corporate tax reform in 2016, which was announced in June 2015.
Microsoft responds to media outcry over European tax
June 21 – Microsoft is fighting back following reports in the British media that the tech company avoided paying £100 million ($147 million) of UK tax.
Microsoft told TP Week: “Our European business, production and distribution is centralised in Ireland and has been since the early 90s. Microsoft UK earns a commission similar to what a third party would receive for performing marketing services for Microsoft Ireland and pays tax on its income earned in the UK.”
Finnish CbCR draft bill released
June 21 – Finland’s Ministry of Finance is asking for public comment on a draft bill for country-by-country reporting. The bill would require companies to file master and local files alongside CbCR on financial years on or after January 2016. It is to be effective from January 2017.
The draft rules include regulations to implement the European Commission’s directive on administrative cooperation.
